On typological characteristics of religious groups and associations in the Altai Republic

The topicality of the research is determined by the lack of a common set of criteria on religion in human sciences,and by the debatable character of methodology used by different researchers and investigative schools. In the context of the study of theproblem of distinguishing types of modern religious movements it is important to remember that extreme essentialization of religiousnotions can often lead to simplification and profanation of such meanings that had been part of the religious experience, traditions andlanguage. Realia of the religious experience are very ''flexible'' and are difficult to be strictly defined on the level of notions. Moreover,any classification is based on a choice of a core typological criterion, and such choice is very much subjected to change. In humansciences there is a popular understanding of a cultural and psychological environment, which has been formed with the help of areligious tradition, as a sort of provocation that only affects a person inclined to a certain form of addiction. In this behalf actions of newreligious groups can be compared with the active search for demand among potential customers. Forms of addiction can be singled outaccording to various criteria, including the level of dependence on certain ways of self-realization. For example, one part of religiousgroups uses the principle of realization of the need to satisfy some sort of ''mystic egoism''. Another part of religious programs paysmore attention to trying to avoid suffering and pain. A third part can make a focus on reaching an epistemological ideal. A fourth partacts as if having a motto that everything is allowed. It is required to take into account a psychological feature of the activity of newreligious organizations, ecotourism and psychedelic literature that encourage the use of drugs. The so called manipulative technologiesare used in modern culture more and more. They include methods that cause the benumbing of rational-critical abilities of mind; and in anumber of cases the work of some new religious movements forms an inclination to suicide. In an anthropogenic postmodern society anincreased exploitation of the emotional sphere of human consciousness is found. To develop one's emotions is as important as todevelop one's intellectual skills. A low level of emotional quotient (EQ), minimization of positive emotions directly influences theeffectiveness of learning and the general physical state of an organism. The question of working out of types for modern religiousorganizations is of much importance, although it is a rather difficult question; it needs a complex investigative approach that would bebased on an interdisciplinary principle and a critical view upon the modern situation in the religious sphere of Russia and some otherregions.

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